Inside your bed info

•  SPRING SYSTEMS
The majority of mattresses in the UK have an interior spring system to provide support. The construction properties of each spring system determine the tension, feel and weight distribution properties of each mattress. Variables include the number of coils in each spring and height of each spring, the thickness (gauge) of the wire, and the quantity (density) of springs.
Spring interior mattresses can be ‘zoned’ to contain areas with a higher density of springs. Areas of different tensions can therefore be achieved within the same mattress. The most common area of increased spring density is across the middle of the mattress to give extra support for heavier hips and shoulders. Some mattresses are zoned ‘half and half’ to provide different tensions on each side of the bed. Zoning around the edge of the mattress gives it extra rigidity. Some units also allow the user to adjust the mattress tension themselves.

THERE ARE THREE MAIN TYPES OF SPRING INTERIORS:
Open coil or open sprung

The most widely used option, also known as the bonnel spring. Springs are arranged in rows and connected to one another, top and bottom, by a spiral helical wire with an outer rod strengthening the perimeter.
There are usually 325 coils in a 5ft / 150cm size, although some mattresses may have more. They come in a choice of tensions, starting from a very firm 12.5 gauge wire. Priced from budget to mid-range.
Continuous spring
The continuous spring unit is made from a single length of wire” knitted” into a series of inter woven springs which usually run up and down the bed and are liked vertically rather than horizontally. Generally speaking the gauge of wires used is softer and the size of the coils is smaller than open coil, given a higher spring count and a more responsive feel. Generally priced in the mid-market.
Pocket Spring
Pocket springs are smaller, softer springs, housed in individual fabric pockets. This allows them to work
independently from one another, profiling to the body shape and preventing pressure points. Independent support means that there is little or no transfer of movement from one sleeping partner to another. Spring counts typically vary from 600-800 up to 2,500 but some can go up to 3 or even 4,000 pocket springs.
Like other types they are made in a range of tensions. Higher quality mattresses are often hand side stitched to increase the life expectancy. Quilted borders look similar but do not last as long. Pocket springs are generally more expensive than other types of spring units and are used mainly in higher quality products.

•  VISCO ELASTIC MEMORY FOAM

Visco elastic is the technical term for Memory foam. This type of foam was used in the USA by the Nasa space program many years ago to help astronauts with g-force on take off. Memory foam had been developed and was not released into the open market but did find its way into hospitals to treat patients suffering from bed pressure sores.
Memory foam distributes bodyweight more evenly than any traditional mattress, reducing pressure build-up. Areas of increased pressure can lead to neck, back and joint discomfort developing during sleep. The manufacturers making memory foam for the hospitals are called foam converters. Once they had released how good this new material was (Visco-elastic) these manufacturers started to introduce their products into the mainstream domestic bed and mattress market. Slowly people looking for beds and mattresses started to see the extra benefits from sleeping on memory foam.
Memory foam is hypo allergenic, anti microbial, and anti bacterial. It provides pressure relief, is temperature sensitive, silent in use, and conforms to the exact shape of the sleeper’s body. When you turn in bed it quickly recovers and re-adjusts, providing you with total support throughout the night.
Memory foam will also help relieve people who suffer from back problems, aching joints, sciatic pain, arthritis, rheumatism, circulatory problems and neck pain.
When sleeping on a memory foam mattress you will not toss and turn as much as there is less pressure on the body. Thus you will have a deeper sleep and wake up feeling refreshed!

Not all memory foam mattresses are the same. Now that memory foam has found its way into the domestic bed market the product is available in different grades. These grades are known as foam densities. A higher density of memory foam does not always imply better quality foam. The reason for this is that foam is made up from a polymer structure (repeating chemical units) with tiny little air bubbles trapped between units. If the foam density is too high then these tiny little air bubbles become very small. Containing less trapped air, the memory foam does not breathe as well and becomes warmer than normal. When new, memory foam often gives off a distinct chemical odour which many people find unpleasant. This fades with airing.

•  LATEX

Natural latex is the sap of certain types of trees. It was discovered for its use in rubber manufacture. Today, latex can be artificially manufactured and most latex products are derived from man-made polymers. Air is blown into latex to lighten it and produce the firmness/softness required by the consumer.
Latex mattresses are hypo-allergenic; dustmites and bed bugs cannot survive in a latex matrix. Latex mattresses do not retain moisture lost from the body of the sleeper at night. These properties make them particularly suitable for allergy sufferers.
A latex mattress, whilst expensive, lasts for a greater number of years than the average spring mattress. This is because there are no components which will rust or collapse. The latex provides a comfortable and flexible sleeping surface, naturally contouring to the shape of the body. The latex mattress does not require turning, making suitable for the needs of the elderly or infirm.

•  NATURAL FIBRE FILLINGS
Interior sprung mattresses use a wide variety of fillings to create different properties and comfort options. Fillings are chosen for their resilience, durability, flexability, and ability to absorb body moisture. In cheaper mattresses fillings usually come in compact pads. In better quality mattresses layers with loose fillings in great volume are often preferred.
Different fillings have specific functions:
Cotton — often used near the surface for its soft feel and its ability to breathe and to absorb moisture.
Wool — a breathable, naturally resilient fibre, creating a luxurious feel with good fire retardency properties.
Foam — different types of foam are used for their cushioning effect. They include latex, polyurethane and visco elastic memory foam.
Polyester – a synthetic material with good recovery properties.
Hair — a highly resilient fibre, often described as nature’s ‘spring.’ It is usually contained in pads or may be loose in luxury mattresses.
Coir fibre — pads made from coconut fibres are generally used next to the mattress spring to insulate or prevent the spring being felt by the sleeper. Alternatives include compressed wool or synthetic pads.
Silk, cashmere, Mohair and other fine, natural fibres are also used for added luxury in the top end mattress production.
Remember, mattress fillings will settle and compress over the first few months. This is normal; your mattress will conform and respond uniquely to your body shape. Changes may be more pronounced in more expensive mattresses with more fillings. Turning your mattress regularly will help even out this settlement.

•  COOLMAX® and OUTLAST

 A CoolMax® Mattress solves the problem of heat build-up, the most common complaint with memory foam mattresses. CoolMax® fabric removes moisture, as well as, or better than, any other natural fibre. This allows your body to regulate its core temperature without expending a lot of extra energy. The result, a better more restful sleep.
CoolMax® is highly permeable by air and has a high heat-regulating capacity, making it an ideal mattress fabric. It is a fibre with unique, fast-drying properties that has earned a proven advantage in professional sportswear.
An adult loses on average approximately 8 ounces of body moisture every night. This loss of moisture causes a clammy sensation and stimulates the production of perspiration, disrupting deep and comfortable sleep. Using CoolMax® fabric,  a mattress has been developed  which aids in controlling this moisture discomfort. Moisture quickly evaporates, perspiration is reduced, and the body remains pleasantly cool.
Moisture-control tests have shown that CoolMax® dries considerably faster than, or as fast as, any other more absorbent fabrics.
CoolMax®: a mattress cover for a dry, cool and comfortable sleep. Night after night …
A CoolMax® Mattress offers a cleaner, healthier sleep environment thanks to its hypo-allergenic and anti-microbial properties. The CoolMax® cover is easy to remove and can be machine-washed. If your comfort needs ever change, upgrades can be made easily and affordably by replacing the cover only.
What’s the difference between COOLMAX®  fabric and other polyester fabrics?
COOLMAX® fabric is specially designed to provide not only superior moisture management, but also to enhance the wearer’s comfort. The specially-engineered fibres comprising COOLMAX® fabric provide enhanced breathability (called “air permeability” by the techies) that differentiates COOLMAX® fabric from generic polyester fabrics. Air permeability is just one of our key performance tests that fabrics must pass before they can be sold under the “COOLMAX®” brand. And, remember, that all of the benefits of COOLMAX® fabric are permanently built right into the fibres, requiring no chemical treatments like other wicking fabrics.
What is Outlast?
Outlast® technology is the original temperature-regulating technology. Outlast® fabrics, fibres and coatings are ingredients found in everyday products and high performance gear such as bedding, footwear, apparel, outerwear and accessories.
How does it work?
Outlast® materials balance your temperature through the use of patented Microencapsulated Thermocules™ that absorb and store excess heat, releasing it when you need it most.
Will Outlast make me warmer?
Outlast® materials continuously adapt to your changing thermal needs. In effect, Outlast® materials balance your temperature by reducing overheating and therefore perspiration, resulting in less chill and more comfort.
What is the lifespan of Outlast in a product?
When Outlast® technology is part of an acrylic or viscose fiber, it is a permanent part through the life of the garment. Our coated products are developed for excellent durability both through home laundry and dry cleaning.
What are the washing / dry cleaning instructions for Outlast?
Care instructions for Outlast® fabrics are based on manufacturer recommendations and are specified on the label.
How is Outlast incorporated into products?
Outlast® temperature regulating technology can be incorporated into textiles by a number of methods. In addition to viscose and acrylic in-fiber technology (in which the Outlast® Thermocules® are spun directly into yarns and fabrics), Outlast® can be coated directly onto fabrics using a padding treatment or knife-over-roll or applied to finished garment via infusion and spray technology.
Where is Outlast located in a product?
All Outlast® fabrics, coatings and fibres are most effective when they are designed to be used as liner or inter-liner materials oriented so that they are more interactive with the human body, or the microclimate next to the human body, rather than with the outside environment.
How do I know Outlast is in the product I’m buying?
All products containing Outlast® technology are tested and certified for energy capacitance to ensure that the benefits of the technology are passed on to the consumer. Look for the Outlast® logo on hangtags and in labels of some of your favourite products.
How is Outlast different from other temperature-regulating technologies?
Outlast Technologies, Inc. holds the patent for the original temperature-regulating technology and ingredients for fibers, fabrics and coatings.
Many products in the marketplace claim to have temperature-regulating properties, but in essence they are really promoting regulating temperature through moisture management, not active phase change technology.
Were you really in space?
Yes. Outlast® technology was originally developed for NASA for use in gloves and other apparel applications such as pants and socks to buffer and moderate the temperature found in space and very high altitude. In 2005, Outlast® technology was inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame for successfully transforming technology originally developed for space exploration into products that help improve the quality of life here on Earth.